外卖大战，终非“免费的午餐”

Core Viewpoint - The takeaway from the articles is that the food delivery industry is experiencing an intense subsidy war driven by new entrants, leading to increased competition among platforms and significant benefits for consumers, riders, and merchants, but also raising concerns about sustainability and service quality in the long term [3][4][5]. Group 1: Subsidy War Dynamics - The subsidy competition has intensified with new players entering the market, prompting established giants to follow suit in order to retain and attract users [3]. - Recent reports indicate that the subsidy war has led to a surge in order volumes, with Meituan surpassing 100 million daily orders and Ele.me exceeding 80 million, while JD's delivery service has seen rapid growth in brand sales [3]. - The short-term effects of the subsidy war include increased consumer spending, higher earnings for delivery riders, and booming business for merchants, contributing to a significant boost in urban consumption [3][4]. Group 2: Consumer and Merchant Concerns - Despite the apparent benefits, there are underlying concerns regarding consumer expectations for low prices, with some users expressing that their loyalty may diminish if subsidies are withdrawn [4]. - The intense competition is leading to reduced profit margins for merchants, who are forced to lower prices while facing rising operational costs [4]. - Delivery riders are experiencing increased workloads and pressure, with some working excessively long hours, raising concerns about their health and well-being [4]. Group 3: Long-term Sustainability and Industry Outlook - The current "money-splashing" competition is seen as a temporary strategy, with industry experts warning that relying solely on subsidies is not sustainable [5]. - Regulatory bodies have begun to address the issue of "involution" in competition, signaling a need for platforms to focus on quality, service, and innovation rather than just price wars [5]. - The food delivery market has significant potential for growth, and companies are encouraged to shift their focus from merely increasing sales to ensuring long-term viability and quality service [5].